Ace Spencer Rubin Scholarship

Funded by
Rubin / Arken / Meltzer Family
Learn more about the Donor
$5,975
1 winner$5,975
Awarded
Winner
1
Finalists
16
Application Deadline
Feb 16, 2022
Winners Announced
Mar 16, 2022
Education Level
Undergraduate, High School
4
Contributions
Recent Bold.org scholarship winners
Eligibility Requirements
Education Level:
Must be a high school or undergraduate student
Background:
Must have a significant physical disability
Education Level:
Background:
Must be a high school or undergraduate student
Must have a significant physical disability

Ace Spencer Rubin was a brave medic who lost his legs while helping his comrades during the Vietnam War. 

Ace continued to persevere and lived a fulfilling life full of love and family despite being disabled.

This scholarship seeks to honor the life of Ace Spencer Rubin by supporting students who are living with physical disabilities.

Any student who is entering or currently enrolled in an undergraduate program with a significant physical disability, such as the loss of a limb, may apply for this scholarship.

To apply, tell us about your experience with your disability and how this scholarship would help you achieve your goals.

Selection Criteria:
Ambition, Need, Boldest Bold.org Profile
Published September 15, 2021
$5,975
1 winner$5,975
Awarded
Winner
1
Finalists
16
Application Deadline
Feb 16, 2022
Winners Announced
Mar 16, 2022
Education Level
Undergraduate, High School
4
Contributions
Recent Bold.org scholarship winners
Essay Topic

What has your experience with your disability taught you? How would winning this scholarship help you reach your goals?

400–600 words

Winning Application

Albert Kunickis
Lemont Township High SchoolLemont, IL
I learned how to tie my shoes in second grade. The task was minuscule for the typical seven-year-old, so much so that my peers would purposely untie and retie their shoes to demonstrate their mastery. It was a criterion defining the elementary elite, and I couldn’t check the box. Every night, I would spend hours working through hundreds of failed attempts only to become more frustrated with myself -- I was determined to free myself from the confines of my mother’s double-knotted tie. A friend provided some guidance: he got it right away and then walked me through step-by-step. With each attempt, I progressed, but my patience withered as I couldn’t get a grip on the laces. Nevertheless, I swallowed my frustration, ultimately tying my first knot. It wasn’t neat, but I was elated. Not only because now my shoelaces wouldn’t drag on the floor when they came untied, but because this was the first challenge I conquered having half of a right arm. Life with one arm may be seen as a burden from others’ perspectives. The uncertainty and added difficulty of succeeding at otherwise easily conquerable feats rings in the minds of onlookers - and that quickly translates to sympathy, which, despite coming from a kind and considerate place, can be stagnating. Certainly, I’ve learned that the willingness to authentically disregard fear and persevere is not an easy undertaking. And while I am unequivocally grateful for the support and sacrifice my family, friends,